Best rain jackets for hiking 2025

The Arc’teryx Beta AR is the jacket you take when you need something serious. Sturdy Gore-Tex, impeccable finishes, astonishing comfort for a hardshell. It blocks rain, wind, and sleet without ever feeling stifling. Helmet-compatible hood, well-placed zippers, precise cut, nothing is left to chance. Solid, durable, made for serious mountaineering. You can tell that those who designed it know what it’s like to spend time up there. A reliable piece, designed to last.

The Fjällräven Keb Eco-Shell is solidly designed for demanding treks. It features a 3-layer membrane made of recycled polyester, PFC-free, with 30,000 mm of waterproofing and 26,000 mm of breathability; nothing gets through, everything is expelled. Comfortable stretch, mobile cut, adjustable hood, discreet zips under the arms, practical large chest pockets; every detail matters. A bit heavy, not cheap, but reliable, durable, and designed for action. To face the harshest weather without compromise, it is an absolute reference.

The Haglöfs L.I.M GTX is the essentials without frills. Weighing 12.7 oz (360 g), this ultralight jacket made from Gore-Tex Paclite Plus offers serious protection from the rain without the bulk. Perfect for fast trekking or as a backup in your pack, it unfolds in the blink of an eye when the weather turns bad. With a streamlined cut, stretchy fabric, and remarkable breathability, it moves with you without hindrance. Few accessories, no lining, but true effectiveness for those who want to stay dry without the extra weight.

The Millet Seneca GTX 3L is the successful compromise between ethics and performance. Recycled Gore-Tex ePE membrane, solid waterproofing, constant breathability, it holds up on demanding treks. Lightweight without being fragile, well-cut to follow your movements, it protects against cold winds as well as persistent storms. Adjustable hood, well-placed pockets, no unnecessary bulk. Simple, reliable, designed to last, it accompanies hikers who want to go far, for a long time, and with awareness.

Designed for technical mountaineering, the Millet Kamet Light GTX makes no compromises. 3-layer Gore-Tex membrane, 1.2 lbs of robustness, total waterproofness, breathability on point. Surprising comfort in motion thanks to the FlexComfort cut that stays in place even during full maneuvers. Helmet-compatible hood, accessible pockets with harness, ventilation zips, every detail aims for efficiency. Compact when folded, it waits for its moment. When the weather turns, it becomes a true barrier, designed for high altitudes.

Thought for modern mountaineering, the Black Diamond Highline Stretch Shell combines cutting-edge technology and rare comfort. Its BD.dry 3-layer membrane without PFC, combined with the Empel water-repellent treatment, offers solid waterproofing and true breathability. What stands out is its soft, slightly insulating interior, ideal when the wind picks up or when waiting at the belay becomes prolonged. Its stretch fabric moves with you without restriction, the helmet-compatible hood adjusts precisely, and the ventilation zippers are well-placed. It is neither the lightest nor the most affordable, but for demanding altitudes, it is a coherent and deliberate choice.

Tested in the Scottish rains as well as on the slopes of Mont Blanc, the Mountain Equipment Odyssey inspires confidence. Three layers of recycled Drilite, 20,000 mm of waterproofing, a true barrier against the elements. Effective ventilation zips, adjustable hood, well-thought-out alpine cut, everything is functional. Two large practical pockets, precise adjustments, no frills, just the essentials. Sturdy, breathable, understated, this jacket ticks all the boxes for long walks, in all weather, without any doubts.

The Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 is a pleasant surprise at a reasonable price. A 2.5-layer jacket made from recyclable Pertex Shield, it offers 20,000 mm of waterproofing and equivalent breathability, with sealed seams—nothing superfluous. Lightweight (13.2 oz), well-cut, with articulated arms, it remains comfortable even in motion. Underarm zips, a helmet-compatible hood with a soft visor, and three practical pockets make it fully equipped. Not made for extreme conditions, but ideal for hiking, summer trekking, or as a backup in your bag. Reliable, simple, effective.

The Rab Kangri GTX is serious gear for committed alpine hikes. It features a 3-layer 70D Gore-Tex membrane, formidable waterproofing, a classic cut with articulated sleeves, and nothing gets in the way under the pack. Effective ventilation zips, a one-handed adjustable helmet hood, a fleece-lined collar, well-thought-out pockets—everything is designed for the field. Weighing 1.15 lbs (520 g), it takes up a bit of space, but you know why. For long walks without fearing the elements, the Kangri remains a reliable choice.

The Patagonia Granite Crest combines ethics and uncompromising performance. NetPlus fabric made from recycled nylon, H2No standard, formidable three-layer protection against rain and wind, with true breathability. More technical than the Torrentshell, it remains lightweight, durable, and well-cut. Laminated visor hood, accessible pockets with a pack, adjustable cuffs, everything is designed for the field. Discreet yet reliable, it withstands the challenges of rainy treks as well as demanding outings. A smart choice for hiking dry and responsibly.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L remains a reliable choice in 2025. Three solid layers, H2No membrane, dependable protection against rain and wind, without neglecting breathability. Ventilation zips under the arms, adjustable hood with microfleece lining, nothing superfluous but everything useful. Lightweight, compact, it packs into its own pocket, always ready without taking up space. Not just a windbreaker, a true barrier against the elements. Sturdy, accessible, it goes everywhere, from the soaked trail to the ridge swept by gusts.

Weighing just 6.3 oz (178 g), the Ortovox Civetta 2.5L is almost unnoticeable until it becomes essential. Compact, ultra-light, designed for those who move quickly and far. Dermizax DT membrane, 10,000 mm of waterproofing, 20,000 in breathability, it’s solid for unexpected showers. Self-adjusting hood, merino wool inserts, ergonomic cut, everything is simple and well thought out. It’s not armor, but a true minimalist ally, always in the bag, always ready.

The Columbia Omni-Tech Ampli-Dry focuses on the essentials without breaking the budget. Three-layer membrane, recycled fabric without PFC, reliable waterproofing, and decent breathability for active hikes. Its four-way stretch fabric surprises with its flexibility, offering true comfort in motion. Ventilation zippers under the arms, sealed seams, adjustable hood that stows in the collar, everything is simple and well thought out. Lightweight, versatile, comfortable in the rain as well as for everyday use, it proves that efficiency can rhyme with accessibility.

The Vaude Escape Light is a versatile jacket by nature. Technical enough for hiking, discreet for the city, it provides good protection against moderate showers thanks to its 2-layer Ceplex Active fabric and Eco Finish treatment. Lightweight, breathable, comfortable to wear, with a stowable hood and two practical zippered pockets. Adjustable cuffs, mesh lining, everything is simple and functional. Eco-friendly, affordable, and reliable for everyday use, it quickly finds its place in a bag or on your back.

No, this is not a troll! The poncho is certainly outdated and often sparks lively debates about its usefulness, but it remains the cheapest and lightest solution (0.66 lbs) for protecting against moisture (but for a limited time). With no breathability, you risk sweating under your poncho, but for less than 10-20 euros, I would say why not consider this option! Compared to the ponchos found in tourist souvenir shops, this poncho from Forclaz has been designed to facilitate movement, is relatively durable, and can also cover a bag of about 30 liters (7.9 gallons). Honestly, in case of showers, this poncho can prove very useful, especially when budget is the number 1 criterion.